The National Film Award is among the highest honors in the Indian music industry, celebrating outstanding achievements in film music. Here’s a look at five male singers who have received this esteemed recognition:
1. A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman, who has captured the hearts of an entire nation with his soulful voice, won the National Award for Best Music Director for the film Lagaan (2001). Often referred to as the ‘Mozart of Madras,’ Rahman has transformed Indian film music. His work on Lagaan, which was also nominated for an Oscar, earned him this prestigious award. Rahman’s compositions masterfully fuse traditional Indian sounds with contemporary music, cementing his status as a global icon.
2. Gurdas Maan
Gurdas Maan, a legendary figure in the Punjabi music and film industry, has achieved the rare distinction of winning the National Award twice. He first earned the National Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his soulful rendition of ‘Couplets of Heer’ in the film Waris Shah: Ishq Daa Waaris. His voice, filled with emotion and cultural richness, has cemented his place as one of the most beloved singers in the Indian subcontinent. Maan remains the only Punjabi singer to have won this prestigious award in the Best Male Playback Singer category. His second National Award came in the form of the Best Actor Jury Award for his outstanding performance in Des Hoyaa Pardes.
3. Arijit Singh
Arijit Singh, widely regarded as the “king of playback singing,” earned the National Award for his mesmerizing rendition of “Binte Dil” in Padmaavat. His exceptional ability to convey profound emotion through his voice has made him a beloved artist across generations.
4. Sukhwinder Singh
Sukhwinder Singh, known for his powerful and energetic vocals, won the National Award for the song “Bismil” from Haider. His voice added intensity and passion to the film’s narrative, making the song an unforgettable part of Indian cinema.
5. Shankar Mahadevan
Shankar Mahadevan, one-third of the famous music trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, won the National Award for his soulful rendition of “Yenna Solla Pogirai” in the Tamil film Kandukondain Kandukondain. His classical background and versatile singing style have made him a celebrated figure in Indian music.
These artists have not only won national acclaim but have also left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry with their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft.
